Bad Antispyware

The OneMinute Geek

The Problem:

"The Internet changes everything!" Remember that mantra? It was the opening line of every new business pitch. And it's true. The Internet has changed everything, including the way in which bad guys find their victims. In the old days, we didn't have to lock our cars or the doors to our homes. And we didn't have to filter out all that spam, either. Spam is an Internet problem that you can at least see. There are other more nefarious problems lurking on the web. And, once they find their way to your PC, they’re not very visible. Spyware is one that seems to be multiplying daily. How can you avoid the hazards of spyware, scumware, and data-mining?

The Solution:

When it comes to the Internet, you really can't afford to trust anyone, even those helpful persons promising to solve your problems. Take spyware for example. It's a huge problem and you need to battle it with antispyware software. But be careful just which spyware you select to protect your computer. You don’t want to make a bad problem worse.

Spyware is aptly named. Its presence is hard to detect. Some clues include increasing numbers of popups, a new default home page, and the appearance of an unusual search engine. To find out if your computer is infected with spyware, you need a reliable antispyware program.

Good spyware choices include Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com), SpyBot Search and Destroy (www.spybot.info.com), PestPatrol (www.pestpatrol.com), and StopZilla (www.StopZilla.com). SpybotSearch and Destroy is free. And on-going updates are free as well. Ad-aware Standard Edition 6.0 is free although other versions of Ad-aware are not. PestPatrol and StopZilla are also good.

To decide which of these recommended spyware killers are best for you, study the detailed reviews at www.cnet.com. (Search spyware from the home page.) Bear in mind that the problem of spyware is so widespread and varied that one software program may not be enough to get the job done when it comes to getting rid of all spyware, scumware and data-mining. Consider whether you need to use two or more reliable spyware programs.

Now the next problem. And it’s a biggie. Some antispyware simply doesn’t do the job. And more than a few antispyware vendors are actually wolves in sheep's clothing. While “correcting” your original spyware problem, some antispyware actually installs its own spyware. The following is a partial list of antispyware solutions that either install spyware themselves or just aren't any good at fixing the problem of unwanted spyware on your computer.

AdProtector

AdwareHunter

AdWareRemoverGold

BPS Spyware & Adware Remover (an AdAware knockoff)

InternetAntiSpy

NoAdware

Online PC-Fix SpyFerret

PurityScan

Real AdWareRemoverGold

Spybouncer

SpyAssault

SpyBan –( a noadware clone)

SpyBlast

Spyblocs/eBlocs.com

SpyDeleter

SpyEliminator

SpyFerret

Lop Uninstaller

Xupiter Uninstaller

SpyGone, SpyBot S&D ripoff

SpyHunter

SpyKiller and SpyKillerPro

Spyware Annihilator

SpywareBeGone

SpywareCleaner

SpywareCrusher

SpywareInfoooo.com

SpywareKilla

SpywareNuker

SpywareRemover

SpywareThis

SpywareZapper (looks like TZ Spyware Adware Remover)

SpyWiper

ssppyy pro

TZ Spyware Adware Remover

VBouncer/AdDestroyer

Warnet

XoftSpy

ZeroSpyware

Suspect

Spyware X Terminator

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.